Falcons looking to open up and throw deep against the Pats

In Friday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter says he hopes his team can begin throwing the ball longer more often and more effectively.

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By
Jim Donaldson
Posted Sep. 27, 2013 @ 8:18 am

In Friday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter says he hopes his team can begin throwing the ball longer more often and more effectively.

"We need to have more vertical shots in our game," Koetter said. "That's something that we are probably lacking right now. We just have to get more of an element of the vertical game."

One reason the Falcons, despite having a standout quarterback in Matty "Ice" Ryan and speedy, surehanded receivers such as Julio Jones and Roddy White, have had difficulty throwing the deep ball is that the offensive line has had problems giving Ryan enough time to allow his receivers to go long.

Longtime center Todd McClure, who'd started 195 games for the Falcons, retired after last season and the team cut starting right tackle Tyson Clabo this year for salary cap reasons.

Clabo now is starting at right tackle for the 3-0 Dolphins, who beat the Falcons last Sunday in Miami, 27-23, dropping the Falcons, who went 13-3 last year and reached the NFC championship game, to 1-2.

Atlanta was without starting left tackle Sam Baker against Miami. He did not practice Wednesday and had "limited participation" Thursday, so it remains to be seen how effective he'll be Sunday night against the Patriots -- if, indeed, he even plays.

It hasn't helped that White isn't at full speed because of a high ankle sprain.